My View on Social Media Influence on Teenage Behavior

We all understand that social media is an indispensable part of our lives, especially the lives of adolescents. The use of internet has been on a rise in the past decade as more and more new social media platforms continue to emerge each year. The internet can bring both useful and beneficial practices for teens, but at the same time it can be the biggest source of stress and worries for them. Therefore, it is increasingly important to control and monitor the activity of young adults on social media websites. 

One the commonly known benefits of social media for teens, is that it serves as a safe anonymous platform for self-expression and communication. However, another positive effect of social media, is that it can be used as a great health communication platform. Mostly because a great number of teens have social media accounts and can use the internet to research health related topics, which they find difficult or uncomfortable to discuss with adults. One study analyzed the use of SNS by adolescents, and 87% of the surveyed have reported to search up content related to mental and sexual health, as well as fitness and dieting. (Plaisime, et al., 2020)

However, it is clearly impossible to regulate all content published on the internet. This is why, just as “good” information is available online, so is the “dangerous” and “harmful” one easily accessible for any online users. A study of 400 youths admitted to the psychiatric hospital, over 30% of the young patients have reported to read online information on self-harm and suicide. (Nesi, 2020)

Aside from that, social media promotes unhealthy beauty and body image standards for young adults, especially teenage girls. Where constant comparison to “Instagram models” can lead to depressive symptoms, low self-esteem and development various eating disorders.  (Nesi, 2020)

Youths definition of “beauty” is heavily influenced by “what” or “who” they see on popular social media websites such as Instagram and TikTok. Studies show that a high number of teens, ranging from 11 to 18 years old, have shown more and more interest in plastic and facial surgery. Another study concluded that there is a strong correlation between the use of Instagram and development of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia among young women. (Crosby, 2022)

Today, social media creates such unrealistic standards for every aspect of our existence, whether it is our beauty, physical health, lifestyle, work or education. We always see “perfect” people on the internet, who have the fittest bodies, clearest skin, and have the best jobs and the most interesting lives. 

Young adults desperately try to pursue such lifestyle, it often drives them into severe depression, anxiety, and ruins their physical health. Because, once they make a “realistic” post where they share their lives, they face the risk of criticism and cyberbullying. Such negative encounters on the internet, can in turn lead to poor self-esteem, aggressive behavior and withdrawal from any social interactions in the real world. 

I hope we all learn to be more “real”, understanding and tolerant on our social media pages. We are all responsible for building a safe place for youngsters, where they can seek support and encouragement. And a place where they can share their opinions and express themselves, all while having access to safe and reliable information.